Amid mounting public concern: Alarming rise of HIV in Pakistan: 1,079 new cases every month Data says men constitute 69.4% of cases, women 20.5%, transgender persons 4.1% and children 6% HIV/AIDS can affect any organ, causing systemic illnesses that appear as skin involvement. — AFP/File ISLAMABAD: As many as 1,079 new HIV cases are being reported monthly in Pakistan, with 9,713 people testing positive for HIV in the first nine months of 2024, officials in the Ministry of National Health Services revealed on Friday. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); They warned that the total number of HIV cases for the entire year could exceed 12,950, assuming the current monthly average persists. This marks a significant increase compared to the 12,731 total cases reported throughout 2023, indicating a worsening HIV epidemic in Pakistan that demands immediate public health intervention. According to official data, men constituted 69.4% of the new cases, women 20.5%, transgender persons 4.1% and children 6%. Punjab recorded the highest number of new infections, with 5,691 cases detected between January and September 2024, averaging 632 new cases each month. Sindh followed with 2,383 new cases, averaging 265 monthly, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) reported 926 cases, translating to an average of 103 cases per month. Balochistan recorded 329 new cases, while Islamabad and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) reported 378 and 10 cases respectively. Comparatively, the figures for 2023 were even higher, with 12,731 new infections reported nationwide, but the consistent rise in monthly averages for 2024 reflects the worsening nature of the epidemic. Alarmingly, experts have noted a significant spillover of HIV infections from high-risk populations—such as men having sex with men (MSM), transgender persons, injectable drug users (IDUs) and female sex workers—to the general population. This is attributed to factors such as poor Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) at healthcare facilities, unsafe sexual practices, low awareness, stigma and risky behaviors like chemsex, a practice involving the use of drugs such as methamphetamine during sexual encounters. Chemsex, in particular, has emerged as a growing concern among MSM, transgender individuals, and sex workers, contributing to the rapid spread of the virus. “Despite collective efforts, the HIV epidemic is increasing in Pakistan. This demands innovative and sustainable interventions,” said Trouble Chikoko, the UNAIDS Country Director for Pakistan, during a recent meeting with the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Chikoko emphasized the pivotal role that religious scholars and institutions could play in raising awareness about HIV prevention and reducing stigma. “Collaboration with UN agencies and partners is essential to address this crisis comprehensively,” he added. Commenting on the HIV situation in Pakistan, the Common Management Unit (CMU) for HIV, TB, and Malaria has highlighted its ongoing efforts to curb the epidemic, claiming that 94 Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers have been established across the country to provide testing and treatment services. Additionally, awareness campaigns have been launched through mass and social media, including multilingual radio messages and city-branding initiatives to destigmatize HIV testing and treatment. Advocacy efforts involving key government officials and stakeholders have also been undertaken to mark events like World AIDS Day, CMU officials added. However, these measures have faced challenges. “Stigma remains a major barrier to HIV testing and treatment. Most new infections are still concentrated in MSM, transgender persons and female sex workers. These groups are often hesitant to seek help due to societal discrimination,” a senior official at the CMU explained. Officials and experts believe that the use of methamphetamine and other drugs during chemsex not only lowers inhibitions but also significantly increases the likelihood of unprotected sex, further fueling the epidemic. “Chemsex is a hidden yet rapidly spreading phenomenon among key populations in Pakistan. Without targeted harm-reduction interventions, this practice will continue to drive new infections,” the official warned. In addition to chemsex, other factors contributing to the rising HIV cases include insufficient access to preventive measures, such as condoms and clean needles, as well as limited public awareness about safe practices. The CMU has reported that it is expanding its harm-reduction programs, particularly targeting IDUs, by providing clean needles and syringes. However, the scale of these programs remains inadequate given the increasing number of new infections. The provincial breakdown of cases underscores the need for localized responses. Punjab, with the highest number of new infections, has been urged to intensify its prevention and awareness campaigns, particularly in urban centers where high-risk behaviors are more prevalent. Similarly, Sindh’s efforts to reduce new infections have shown some progress compared to the previous year, but the numbers remain concerning, especially in Karachi and Hyderabad. Islamabad’s significant drop in new cases, from 611 in 2023 to 378 in 2024, has been attributed to targeted campaigns and improved ART coverage. However, experts caution against complacency, warning that the capital’s success needs to be replicated nationwide to reverse the overall trend. UNAIDS and CMU officials stress the need for greater community engagement to address stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV. “Community involvement is vital for raising awareness and encouraging testing and treatment,” said Chikoko. With over 1,000 new cases reported monthly, Pakistan is nearing a generalised HIV epidemic. Public health experts urge the government to increase resources for prevention and treatment while addressing barriers to care.
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Dominic Zvada kicked a 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds left and Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday, likely ending the Buckeyes ’ hopes of returning to the Big Ten title game. Kalel Mullings broke away for a 27-yard run, setting up the Wolverines (7-5, 5-4) at Ohio State's 17-yard line with two minutes remaining in the game. The drive stalled at the 3, and Zvada came on for the chip shot. Ohio State (10-2, 7-2, No. 2 CFP) got the ball back but couldn't move it, with Will Howard throwing incomplete on fourth down to seal the Wolverines' fourth straight win over their bitter rival. “You come to Michigan to play this game,” Zvada said. “So, it's the biggest one of the year. It's the one that everyone looks forward to, and to be able to come in here and take the win, it's amazing.” This Ohio State loss in the “The Game” might have been the toughest of the past four because Michigan was unranked and wrapping up a disappointing season. The Wolverines were also playing without a couple of top players: tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson. The Buckeyes were favored by 21 points, the widest point spread for this rivalry since 1978, according to ESPN Stats and Info. Records — and point spreads, for that matter — rarely mean much when these two teams meet. “Our defense played outstanding," Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. "We held a high-powered offense to 10 points, 77 rushing yards.” The Buckeyes were off all afternoon. Howard was 19 for 33 for 175 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions and Jayden Fielding missed two field-goal attempts. The run game was hardly there. “It's hard, man,” an emotional Howard said. “I really don’t have much right now. I do know we're a two-loss team. We're going to get into the playoffs and make a run. But, I mean, this one hurts.” Mullings was Michigan's primary weapon. He rushed for 116 yards and the Wolverines only touchdown of the game in the first half as neither team could get much going offensively on the frigid afternoon. “They made plays, we made plays, so as the game wore on you could definitely, slowly feel them starting to lose confidence, lose that energy and lose that faith,” Mullings said. Howard was clunky all day. In the first half he threw an interception from deep in his own territory that led to Michigan's touchdown. He went out for a play in the second quarter to be checked for a head injury. After the game, he said he was fine. “We're very disappointed, and never thought this would happen right here,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “We expected to win this game and go play in the Big Ten championship game.” After the game, Michigan players attempted to plant their flag at midfield and were confronted by Ohio State players. A skirmish ensued as both teams pushed and shoved before being separated. Michigan: Did just enough and caught Ohio State on an off day. Ohio State: It's inexplicable how badly the Buckeyes played in their biggest game of the season. They would need No. 4 Penn State and No. 10 Indiana to lose later Saturday in order to make it into the Big Ten title game next week. The Buckeyes will fall. There has been talk all season about how many of the Ohio State team leaders, including receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive end Jack Sawyer, chose to return for another year instead of entering the NFL draft because they wanted to beat Michigan at least once. Those players were inconsolable after the game. One of them, linebacker Cody Simon, was asked how he felt. “I just can't speak that right now,” Simon said. “I feel like we let the whole Buckeye nation down.” Michigan will wait for a minor bowl game. Ohio State, assuming either Penn State or Indiana wins on Saturday, will see how the final College Football Playoff rankings shakeout on Dec. 8. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
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Amid mounting public concern: Alarming rise of HIV in Pakistan: 1,079 new cases every month Data says men constitute 69.4% of cases, women 20.5%, transgender persons 4.1% and children 6% HIV/AIDS can affect any organ, causing systemic illnesses that appear as skin involvement. — AFP/File ISLAMABAD: As many as 1,079 new HIV cases are being reported monthly in Pakistan, with 9,713 people testing positive for HIV in the first nine months of 2024, officials in the Ministry of National Health Services revealed on Friday. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); They warned that the total number of HIV cases for the entire year could exceed 12,950, assuming the current monthly average persists. This marks a significant increase compared to the 12,731 total cases reported throughout 2023, indicating a worsening HIV epidemic in Pakistan that demands immediate public health intervention. According to official data, men constituted 69.4% of the new cases, women 20.5%, transgender persons 4.1% and children 6%. Punjab recorded the highest number of new infections, with 5,691 cases detected between January and September 2024, averaging 632 new cases each month. Sindh followed with 2,383 new cases, averaging 265 monthly, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) reported 926 cases, translating to an average of 103 cases per month. Balochistan recorded 329 new cases, while Islamabad and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) reported 378 and 10 cases respectively. Comparatively, the figures for 2023 were even higher, with 12,731 new infections reported nationwide, but the consistent rise in monthly averages for 2024 reflects the worsening nature of the epidemic. Alarmingly, experts have noted a significant spillover of HIV infections from high-risk populations—such as men having sex with men (MSM), transgender persons, injectable drug users (IDUs) and female sex workers—to the general population. This is attributed to factors such as poor Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) at healthcare facilities, unsafe sexual practices, low awareness, stigma and risky behaviors like chemsex, a practice involving the use of drugs such as methamphetamine during sexual encounters. Chemsex, in particular, has emerged as a growing concern among MSM, transgender individuals, and sex workers, contributing to the rapid spread of the virus. “Despite collective efforts, the HIV epidemic is increasing in Pakistan. This demands innovative and sustainable interventions,” said Trouble Chikoko, the UNAIDS Country Director for Pakistan, during a recent meeting with the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Chikoko emphasized the pivotal role that religious scholars and institutions could play in raising awareness about HIV prevention and reducing stigma. “Collaboration with UN agencies and partners is essential to address this crisis comprehensively,” he added. Commenting on the HIV situation in Pakistan, the Common Management Unit (CMU) for HIV, TB, and Malaria has highlighted its ongoing efforts to curb the epidemic, claiming that 94 Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) centers have been established across the country to provide testing and treatment services. Additionally, awareness campaigns have been launched through mass and social media, including multilingual radio messages and city-branding initiatives to destigmatize HIV testing and treatment. Advocacy efforts involving key government officials and stakeholders have also been undertaken to mark events like World AIDS Day, CMU officials added. However, these measures have faced challenges. “Stigma remains a major barrier to HIV testing and treatment. Most new infections are still concentrated in MSM, transgender persons and female sex workers. These groups are often hesitant to seek help due to societal discrimination,” a senior official at the CMU explained. Officials and experts believe that the use of methamphetamine and other drugs during chemsex not only lowers inhibitions but also significantly increases the likelihood of unprotected sex, further fueling the epidemic. “Chemsex is a hidden yet rapidly spreading phenomenon among key populations in Pakistan. Without targeted harm-reduction interventions, this practice will continue to drive new infections,” the official warned. In addition to chemsex, other factors contributing to the rising HIV cases include insufficient access to preventive measures, such as condoms and clean needles, as well as limited public awareness about safe practices. The CMU has reported that it is expanding its harm-reduction programs, particularly targeting IDUs, by providing clean needles and syringes. However, the scale of these programs remains inadequate given the increasing number of new infections. The provincial breakdown of cases underscores the need for localized responses. Punjab, with the highest number of new infections, has been urged to intensify its prevention and awareness campaigns, particularly in urban centers where high-risk behaviors are more prevalent. Similarly, Sindh’s efforts to reduce new infections have shown some progress compared to the previous year, but the numbers remain concerning, especially in Karachi and Hyderabad. Islamabad’s significant drop in new cases, from 611 in 2023 to 378 in 2024, has been attributed to targeted campaigns and improved ART coverage. However, experts caution against complacency, warning that the capital’s success needs to be replicated nationwide to reverse the overall trend. UNAIDS and CMU officials stress the need for greater community engagement to address stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV. “Community involvement is vital for raising awareness and encouraging testing and treatment,” said Chikoko. With over 1,000 new cases reported monthly, Pakistan is nearing a generalised HIV epidemic. Public health experts urge the government to increase resources for prevention and treatment while addressing barriers to care.
panaloko net
。
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Dominic Zvada kicked a 21-yard field goal with 45 seconds left and Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State 13-10 on Saturday, likely ending the Buckeyes ’ hopes of returning to the Big Ten title game. Kalel Mullings broke away for a 27-yard run, setting up the Wolverines (7-5, 5-4) at Ohio State's 17-yard line with two minutes remaining in the game. The drive stalled at the 3, and Zvada came on for the chip shot. Ohio State (10-2, 7-2, No. 2 CFP) got the ball back but couldn't move it, with Will Howard throwing incomplete on fourth down to seal the Wolverines' fourth straight win over their bitter rival. “You come to Michigan to play this game,” Zvada said. “So, it's the biggest one of the year. It's the one that everyone looks forward to, and to be able to come in here and take the win, it's amazing.” This Ohio State loss in the “The Game” might have been the toughest of the past four because Michigan was unranked and wrapping up a disappointing season. The Wolverines were also playing without a couple of top players: tight end Colston Loveland and cornerback Will Johnson. The Buckeyes were favored by 21 points, the widest point spread for this rivalry since 1978, according to ESPN Stats and Info. Records — and point spreads, for that matter — rarely mean much when these two teams meet. “Our defense played outstanding," Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said. "We held a high-powered offense to 10 points, 77 rushing yards.” The Buckeyes were off all afternoon. Howard was 19 for 33 for 175 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions and Jayden Fielding missed two field-goal attempts. The run game was hardly there. “It's hard, man,” an emotional Howard said. “I really don’t have much right now. I do know we're a two-loss team. We're going to get into the playoffs and make a run. But, I mean, this one hurts.” Mullings was Michigan's primary weapon. He rushed for 116 yards and the Wolverines only touchdown of the game in the first half as neither team could get much going offensively on the frigid afternoon. “They made plays, we made plays, so as the game wore on you could definitely, slowly feel them starting to lose confidence, lose that energy and lose that faith,” Mullings said. Howard was clunky all day. In the first half he threw an interception from deep in his own territory that led to Michigan's touchdown. He went out for a play in the second quarter to be checked for a head injury. After the game, he said he was fine. “We're very disappointed, and never thought this would happen right here,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. “We expected to win this game and go play in the Big Ten championship game.” After the game, Michigan players attempted to plant their flag at midfield and were confronted by Ohio State players. A skirmish ensued as both teams pushed and shoved before being separated. Michigan: Did just enough and caught Ohio State on an off day. Ohio State: It's inexplicable how badly the Buckeyes played in their biggest game of the season. They would need No. 4 Penn State and No. 10 Indiana to lose later Saturday in order to make it into the Big Ten title game next week. The Buckeyes will fall. There has been talk all season about how many of the Ohio State team leaders, including receiver Emeka Egbuka, running back TreVeyon Henderson and defensive end Jack Sawyer, chose to return for another year instead of entering the NFL draft because they wanted to beat Michigan at least once. Those players were inconsolable after the game. One of them, linebacker Cody Simon, was asked how he felt. “I just can't speak that right now,” Simon said. “I feel like we let the whole Buckeye nation down.” Michigan will wait for a minor bowl game. Ohio State, assuming either Penn State or Indiana wins on Saturday, will see how the final College Football Playoff rankings shakeout on Dec. 8. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football . Sign up for the AP’s college football newsletter: https://apnews.com/cfbtop25
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